Haute Couture

Giorgio Armani Fall Winter 2013/2014 Armani Prive Couture Collection

Giorgio Armani Privé, which debuted in Paris on Tuesday, featured fine fabrics, loads of lace, and a neutral palette.

Giorgio Armani is a man who loves a neutral colour palette (I’m always taken back to Sharon Stone’s classic 90s look in Sliver and Basic Instinct) and for his Fall Winter 2013/2014 Armani Privé collection the focus was more specifically nude. It’s a subtle tone and somewhat limiting, but Armani managed to work with it for almost the entire collection (with the exception of a very striking black story). In place of colour, he relied on the finest of fabrics — lace, silk organza and wool crepe — as well as details such as Swarovski crystals, dégradé sequins, and embroidery to build the collection. Technique is, after all, the calling card of couture.

Starting with classic suiting, the collection was understated and elegant, but it was the evening pieces towards the end that were truly spectacular. Long mermaid gowns, dresses with full tulle skirts, and a fluffy ostrich feature coat all drew applause from the crowd. These were the looks (an actress’ dream) that will rule the red carpet in the coming months.